i have had recurring broken ribs going on over a year now. but this last 2 months ive been in pain and cracking ribs 3 times. i found through a bone scan the 5 ribs that were found broken on my left side from a ct scan in october, have never healed 6-7 months later. im at my wits end and the doctors dont really know what to do with me anymore, ive had just about every test. its not osteopeorios they say, and im only 36 anyways. help anyone!!!!!!!!!

IAN827--PLEASE write me and put RIB FRACTURES in the subject line. There are other individuals with this problem as well and I'm trying to "gather" everyone to work on a questionnaire so we can hopefully get to the common factor here. I've been to 8 doctors AND the Mayo Clinic and NO ONE has figured this out! Thanx!

I am having the same problem, I have always been healthy and I am a 35 year old male. I have broken 4 ribs in the last 2 months without any trauma. This week I had a bone scan, where they found at least 5 prior breaks including 3 in my back. At this point they have no answers.... Please Help if you have any answers...

In last six months I have broken 5 ribs without any trauma, they just seem to snap.I suffer from osteoporosis but not to the extent that it would break my ribs.Have yet to see a Dr.He will send me for bone density tests an xrays.If he finds the cause I will let you know.

My sister has this problem. She's getting tested today. Does anyone here think its something called osteogenesis imperfecta/brittle bone disease? Her neck was causing her a lot of pain and problems about a month ago and now her ribs. My mom is worried she has bone cancer. Anyone with similar problems here who can help?

I have experienced recurring rib fractures for over 5 years now. I was fracture free for 2 years and just within the past 3 weeks I fractured two. I also went through a battery of tests to find what was really going on. A bone scan was the only test which showed the fractures. Xrays were useless as the fractures as so small. The pain I feel is the fracture trying to mend itself back together but it is not aligned properly. I have a low bone density and a little osteo arthritis but otherwise healthy. I am 45 years old. No other broken bones. Doctors are mystifed. I am seeing a thoracic surgeon at Brigham & Women's in Boston.

She ended up having a thyroid problem which some how caused her ribs to break and bones to become weak/brittle. I am not sure on the specifics of it all but she is going to have an operation on her thyroid and have something removed. I believe there is some type of wierd growth thing going on. Thyroid problems run in our family. Hopefully this gives a few of you to ask your doc's about.

i'm on my 5th broken rib in 4 months!!
it didnt show up on the x-ray, ct and bone scan showed a fracture, cancer is not suspected and i am a breast cancer survivor.
i can feel it or hear it when it cracks again, then the exteme pain for about 6-7 days then it tapers off. my doctors have no clue,,,i'm 45
doing blood tests for tumor markers next,,,
can you tell me moe about the thyroid issue...? tks

Osteitis fibrosa cystica, abbreviated OFC, and also known as osteitis fibrosa, osteodystrophia fibrosa , or Von Recklinghausen's disease of bone is a skeletal disorder caused by a surplus of parathyroid hormone from over-active parathyroid glands. This surplus stimulates the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone, in a process known as osteoclastic bone resorption. Osteoclastic bone resorption releases minerals, including calcium, from the bone into the bloodstream. In addition to elevated blood calcium levels, over-activity of this process results in a loss of bone mass, a weakening of the bones as their calcified supporting structures are replaced with fibrous tissue (peritrabecular fibrosis), and the formation of cyst-like brown tumors in and around the bone. The symptoms of the disease are the consequences of both the general softening of the bones and the excess calcium in the blood, and include bone fractures, kidney stones, nausea, appetite loss, and weight loss.

I am having the same problem, I have broken 4 ribs in the last 2 months, with low or no impact. I am a 35 year old male. These are not just fractures they are actual breaks. I am currently getting a series of test done... Bone scan and blood work done this week and a bone density test scheduled at the end of the month. I am hoping that we will get to the bottom of this soon because my father died of bone cancer when he was only 41 years old.

Also 5 fractured ribs and 2 more bruised. Trauma due to fall off ladder on back. 10 months now and no relief. Had bone scan 5 months ago. Wonder if some sort of back support would help. I am active ut have to set in a chaira lot after a little activity. I see no end in sight. 76 year old healthy mail.

First time was playing rugby with a heavy tackle, the ribs were ok at first, but a week later in another game one just popped upwards and the pain was severe. Its now sitting up awkwardly, meaning I can't lie down on a hard surface. It took six weeks to heal but never went back into position.

But since then other ribs around it are weakened, and I got 3 or 4 more rib injuries relatively easily before retiring from football altogether. I now crack these areas when surfing or falling easily.

It has also begun to hurt where the rib attaches at the back to the spine and to the shoulder at the back. I recently fell of my bike and it hurts badly in about 5 places. I fear the whole structure is degrading and the pain is slowly getting worse. It is difficult to breathe and it feels as if there are several nails inside me.

Any ideas. I am now 46 and don't want this to get worse forever. Doctors have said before they just let them heal, but I feel the whole structure is compromised. I worry that it will continue to get worse. I have no other health issues.